Somnium Online

Sewers pt.3

Reagan ran. She ran faster than she had in her life, her sister trailing behind her.

The sounds of battle echoed from the tunnel behind them. Everything had been going so well until they had run into a small army of goblins. Now Eric was buying them time, and likely paying for it with his life.

They ran as fast as they could until they were soaked with sweat and gasping for breath. Abby collapsed to her hands and knees. Reagan slumped to the ground beside her.

"He's going to die, isn't he?" Abby asked in a small voice.

"I-I think so." Reagan managed.

"We need to keep running." Reagan murmured unconvincingly.

"Yeah, we should get going." Abby agreed halfheartedly.

They continued running, this time with renewed urgency. After another couple of minutes they reached the exit. The guards tensed, but related when they re organized the twins as adventurers. The two sisters walked out into the sunlight.

"Hang on!" One of the guards called. "Wasn't there a third person with you?" The other guard stirred.

"Yes." Abby replied shakily. "There was."

The look on her face told the guard all he needed to know. "Oh, carry on."

The sun was setting as the twins climbed the steps to the guild hall. Concerned glances trailed in their wake.

"We must look like hell." Abby joked weakly. And indeed they did. Their cloaks were ragged, they were coated in dirt and grime. Blood spatters were plentiful, and their hair was a complete mess.

They wearily approached the front desk, and Sylvia greeted them cheerfully. Her expression changed immediately when she counted them. "Where's Eric?" She asked softly.

"He's still down there. Abby said simply." Sylvia saw the expressions on their faces and understood that Eric would likely be down there forever.

"Let's get you two somewhere warm." Sylvia said softly. She pressed a button on her desk and spoke whispered into her palm. She turned back to the weary twins. "Follow me please." She led them behind her desk and into the maze of back rooms that made up the bulk of the guild hall.

She produced a small key and opened a door to her right revealing a small room with a few comfortable chairs and a small coffee table. A tray with snacks was on the table, and there were blankets stacked on one of the chairs. There were two more doors in this room.

Sylvie pointed to the first door. "That one has a warm bath and soap. This one has a small kitchen and some food. Please make yourselves at home."

Sylvia quietly left and closed the door. She did her best to maintain her composure. Come on Sylvia she thought to herself. Deep breaths, you can do this.

She returned to her desk just in time to greet a breathless young woman wearing a waitress's uniform. She had blonde hair In a ponytail, and looked furious.

Glad for the distraction Sylvia prepared for yet another dissatisfied customer. She put on a big fake smile, and braced herself. "Hello and welcome to the guild hall, my name is Sylvia. How may I hel-"

The woman slammed her fist on the table. "Where the hell is Eric? He's more than ten minutes late!"

Sylvia's face fell. How was she supposed to tell this young lady that Eric was dead? "Is Eric your boyfriend?"

The young lady blushed deep red. "Of course not! He just owes me dinner."

Sylvia tried to keep her composure. "Eric is currently missing in action. He stayed behind to hold off a horde of goblins so that his party could escape. He is presumed to be deceased."